Last month, we were proud to see one of our Disability Employment Services (DES) Participants, Joseph, named a finalist in the genU Training Participant Award at the Disability Employment Australia Annual Awards. This award recognises individuals who have shown incredible dedication and perseverance on their journey toward a meaningful career, and Joseph is a shining example. Despite the challenges, he continues to pursue his goals with determination and resilience.

When Joseph first joined DES, his goal was to maintain long-term, meaningful employment in a role he enjoys. Now in his sixth year as a Sales and Service Trainee and Administration with the City of Perth, Joseph continues to thrive. While he lives with Down syndrome, he has never let it define him - his ambition has always been to contribute positively to his workplace and community.

Joseph is committed to growing professionally within his current role and is a widely respected and valued member of his team. He uses checklists and visual cues to stay organised across a variety of administrative tasks and consistently completes both online and offline training to build his skills and take on more responsibilities.

Beyond work, Joseph is focused on building his independence in everyday life. Whether it’s confidently buying lunch on his own or mastering new tasks, he continues to take positive steps toward his goals.

In addition to this, Joseph is actively involved in the World Down Syndrome Association, frequently participating in national events and conferences. He has also participated in events like Swim for Life – an initiative to raise awareness for men’s mental health. These community commitments allow Joseph to build his confidence and reinforce his personal development goals!

Joseph’s journey through ongoing workplace learning and development has significantly transformed his life. His confidence, independence, and sense of purpose have all flourished during his time at Perth City Council. Through his consistent training and professional achievements, Joseph has gained skills that extend beyond the office, enhancing his social independence, self-esteem, and community participation.

Joseph’s Employment Support Consultant and family have supported him in building life skills, such as independently going to a café or showing guests around the Perth Library - tasks he now completes with pride. These small but meaningful experiences have been empowering for Joseph, demonstrating his growing confidence.

Joseph’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to pursue your goals and keep growing both professionally and personally. Congratulations, Joseph, on being named a finalist for the genU Training Participant Award - a well-deserved recognition of your dedication, resilience and hard work. Your story will continue to inspire us every day!

On May 23rd, our Disability Employment Services (DES) Participants at Status Clarkson came together to celebrate 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 with a creative and reflective event.

The session began with a calming six-minute meditation that took Participants on a space journey around the world. Following the meditation, Participants took part in an engaging art activity - creating storyboards that represented their home country, a culture they admire, or simply a reflection of their personal identity. Using magazines and markers, they explored what resonated with them, producing meaningful and beautiful artwork to take home.

These two activities highlighted the powerful benefits of mindfulness and creativity. Meditation can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support overall well-being. Meanwhile, engaging in art and cultural expression fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a sense of connection - particularly valuable for those navigating mental health challenges.

As seen in the photos, the outcomes were fantastic. More importantly, the Participants enjoyed a meaningful experience that strengthened peer relationships and provided valuable tools for mental health recovery, community connection, and hope.

On May 27th, our Disability Employment Services (DES) Participants came together at Status Clarkson to watch the 2025 National Reconciliation Week Breakfast live-stream. They enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the company of their peers, reflecting on the importance of reconciliation and shared connection.

The breakfast was a meaningful event that allowed attendees to come together virtually and in person to learn, share stories, and honour the cultural heritage and contributions of First Nations peoples around Australia. Our attendees participated in discussions and activities designed to foster reconciliation, awareness, and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Our Participants and staff enjoyed the morning, finding it a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to progress reconciliation efforts and foster a more inclusive and respectful society in Western Australia.

Last week, our Disability Employment Services (DES) Participants at Status Mirrabooka attended a fun and interactive Easter-themed art and crafts session for an afternoon full of creativity and connection.

The session began with a brief focus group, where Participants shared their thoughts and feedback in a supportive setting. This seamlessly transitioned into a mindful meditation, encouraging relaxation and reflection on the positive emotions inspired by Easter egg colours. It was the perfect way to set a calm and uplifting tone for the afternoon.

Soon after, the Participants got out the art supplies and started getting creative! Participants could choose to paint, colour, glitter, or glue wooden eggs, bunnies, and carrots. There were also scratch-art shapes that revealed a burst of rainbow colours underneath - a big hit with the group!

Although the Participants were meeting for the first time, the shared experience sparked connection, with plenty of conversation, laughter, and tasty snacks enjoyed throughout. The afternoon ended with smiles all around as everyone proudly took home their handcrafted creations.

The session was a joyful and uplifting way to celebrate Easter, bringing everyone together through creativity and community spirit!

Remember Reanna and Bianca? They are two determined job seekers who are part of our Disability Employment Services. Last year Reanna and Bianca took part in a mindful gardening session with our Employment Consultant Sue to assist in managing their mental health challenges.

We are thrilled to share that the pair are making major strides in their job searching journey. Both Reanna and Bianca participated in the recent state election, applying for roles that would challenge their anxieties head-on. Reanna took a brave step by applying to work overnight at her local polling station, a shift from 5 PM to 4 AM. Meanwhile, Bianca found her place at the Balcatta sorting office, joining the Return of Materials team.

Despite facing individual barriers that had previously prevented them from entering the workforce, both women embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm. Bianca flourished during her four weeks at the sorting office, proving to herself that she could navigate the workplace and contribute meaningfully, while Reanna faced the unique challenges of the overnight shift, gaining invaluable experience and insight into her capabilities.

Their hard work and determination not only provided them with vital experience for their resumes but also empowered them to confront their fears and anxiety. The camaraderie they built through their shared experiences further fuelled their motivation and sparked a newfound excitement for future opportunities.

They are now looking ahead with optimism, having already applied for positions at the upcoming federal election. With their newfound confidence and the skills, they developed in their recent roles, Reanna and Bianca are ready to take on new challenges and continue their journey towards fulfilling careers.

All the best with your upcoming roles Reanna and Bianca!